Firefighter dispute ends with signed agreement, court hearing

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SYCAMORE – An agreement signed Thursday settled both criminal charges and outstanding fire department disciplinary issues against Sycamore Fire Lt. Kurt Mathey.

Mathey, who was charged in May with eavesdropping after he recorded part of a meeting between department brass and union representatives, accepted Thursday a five-day suspension from his duties at the Sycamore Fire Department. The agreement dismisses a grievance filed against the department.

The announcement was made at a news conference Thursday afternoon that immediately preceded Mathey's final hearing in court, during which DeKalb County Presiding Judge Kurt Klein approved a request to dismiss the eavesdropping charge.

"One of the reasons I feel good about this ... is because of the work of the Sycamore Police Department," Klein said, noting that he believes the investigation was thorough. "There are no mysteries here."

The charge stemmed from an audio recording he made at a May 1 meeting, using a digital camera. The meeting had been called after heated labor negotiations and representatives were seeking ways to improve morale in the department. Mathey was among those representing the union at that meeting and was filling in for the secretary.

For video from the press conference, please click here.

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